If you’re a fan of Nichijou (2011), you know it’s more than just a quirky slice-of-life anime—it’s an unpredictable blend of absurdist humor, surreal scenarios, and surprisingly heartfelt character moments. With its masterful animation by Kyoto Animation and its signature ability to turn the mundane into the fantastical, Nichijou remains one of anime’s most beloved offbeat comedies.
At its core, Nichijou thrives on subverting expectations, using power systems (even if they’re completely silly), underdog character arcs, and emotionally grounded moments amid chaos. If you’re searching for anime that capture a similar essence—whether through character development, narrative whimsy, or artistic experimentation—here are 15 underrated anime that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Asobi Asobase (2018)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.98
- Studio: Lerche
Plot Summary: A trio of middle school girls form a fake “Pastimers Club” to goof off, but their antics spiral into chaotic, unpredictable comedy.
Similarities to Nichijou: Like Nichijou, Asobi Asobase thrives on absurd humor, sharp animation shifts, and characters whose extreme reactions fuel over-the-top moments. It’s also deceptively emotional beneath the laughs.
2. Daily Lives of High School Boys (2012)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.18
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot Summary: A group of teenage boys navigate the awkward, embarrassing, and occasionally absurd moments of adolescence.
Similarities to Nichijou: This is the male counterpart to Nichijou in many ways—skit-based, deadpan humor, exaggerated scenarios, and self-aware commentary on school life tropes.
3. Tonari no Seki-kun: The Master of Killing Time (2014)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 21 (Short episodes)
- MAL Rating: 7.58
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Plot Summary: In each short episode, Seki-kun invents elaborate distractions during class while his desk neighbor tries—and fails—to stay focused.
Similarities to Nichijou: A celebration of the mundane becoming extraordinary, with minimal dialogue and expressive animation similar to Nichijou’s exaggerated reaction shots.
4. Pani Poni Dash! (2005)
- Streaming on: Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.23
- Studio: Shaft
Plot Summary: A genius 11-year-old becomes a high school teacher, teaching a class full of eccentric students in a world that defies logic.
Similarities to Nichijou: Fast-paced, filled with visual gags, references, and chaotic ensemble comedy, with SHAFT’s signature surreal animation and absurd humor.
5. Aho Girl (2017)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.93
- Studio: Diomedéa
Plot Summary: Yoshiko is a cheerful idiot obsessed with bananas and constantly disrupts the life of her serious childhood friend.
Similarities to Nichijou: Over-the-top comedy, physical humor, and a central duo whose interactions drive the madness—complemented by bright visuals and fast timing.
6. My Ordinary Life – Joshikousei no Mudazukai (2019)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.59
- Studio: Passione
Plot Summary: Three high school girls navigate daily life with nicknames based on their quirks—Wota, Baka, and Robo—creating ridiculous school memories.
Similarities to Nichijou: Shares Nichijou‘s nonsensical comedy and trio-dynamic structure. The humor is random, character-based, and absurd in all the right ways.
7. Gakuen Handsome (2016)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 (Short episodes)
- MAL Rating: 5.63
- Studio: Team YokkyuFuman
Plot Summary: A new student enters a high school for pretty boys with overly chiseled chins and absurd personalities.
Similarities to Nichijou: Satirizes anime tropes with low-budget animation used deliberately for comedic effect, much like Nichijou’s visual hyperbole.
8. Aiura (2013)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 (Short episodes)
- MAL Rating: 6.84
- Studio: LIDENFILMS
Plot Summary: Follows three high school girls in quiet, often comically anticlimactic moments of everyday school life.
Similarities to Nichijou: Minimalist slice-of-life structure with deadpan humor and vibrant character chemistry, all in a calming yet whimsical tone.
9. Binbougami ga! (Good Luck Girl!) (2012)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.56
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot Summary: A girl with endless good luck is targeted by the goddess of poverty, leading to supernatural hijinks and explosive confrontations.
Similarities to Nichijou: Features wacky power systems and slapstick humor, wrapped in a surprisingly emotional storyline—mirroring Nichijou’s heartfelt unpredictability.
10. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (2007)
- Streaming on: Not widely available legally (Check physical releases)
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.94
- Studio: Shaft
Plot Summary: A pessimistic teacher and his overly positive students clash in a satirical exploration of modern society.
Similarities to Nichijou: Stylistic experimentation, deadpan absurdity, and social commentary all echo Nichijou’s blend of humor and substance.
11. D-Frag! (2014)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.52
- Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot Summary: A delinquent is forced into a chaotic school club where each member has a bizarre “element” they embody.
Similarities to Nichijou: Random humor, club-based antics, and characters with weird “power systems” parodying shonen tropes.
12. Pan de Peace! (2016)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 (Short episodes)
- MAL Rating: 6.11
- Studio: Asahi Production
Plot Summary: A light-hearted slice-of-life about four girls who bond over their love of bread.
Similarities to Nichijou: Slow-paced, wholesome absurdity with a gentle tone—perfect for fans of Nichijou’s softer, more laid-back episodes.
13. Teekyuu (2012)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12+ (Multiple seasons; 2-minute episodes)
- MAL Rating: 6.91
- Studio: MAPPA
Plot Summary: Four girls in a tennis club rarely play tennis and instead spiral into chaotic, ultra-fast-paced comedy.
Similarities to Nichijou: Ultra-random comedy with rapid-fire dialogue and visual gags that push the limits of traditional slice-of-life storytelling.
14. Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto (2016)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.59
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot Summary: Cool, suave, and mysterious, Sakamoto turns every school mishap into an opportunity to shine.
Similarities to Nichijou: Plays with absurd perfection and deadpan delivery—turning ordinary events into epic showcases of coolness, much like Nichijou’s exaggeration of everyday life.
15. Ninin ga Shinobuden (Ninja Nonsense) (2004)
- Streaming on: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.29
- Studio: ufotable
Plot Summary: Shinobu, a ninja-in-training, befriends a normal girl as they get caught in bizarre missions with perverted ninja masters.
Similarities to Nichijou: Surreal randomness, physical comedy, and the innocent charm of characters facing outrageous situations with deadpan responses.
Why These Anime Work for Nichijou Fans
While Nichijou stands as a singular gem in anime comedy, these 15 underrated series each capture its charm in their own way—whether through offbeat storytelling, expressive animation, or the art of turning everyday life into something extraordinary. Whether you’re after the surreal absurdity, unpredictable character interactions, or moments of hidden emotional depth, these titles will scratch the same itch while offering their own unique flavor. If you loved Nichijou, these are the hidden treasures waiting to delight you next.
